BUG

BUG is an art center* run by Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. that opened its doors on September 20, 2023.
It was preceded by Recruit’s two galleries in Ginza, the first of which opened over 40 years ago as a product of founder Hiromasa Ezoe’s desire to create a socially engaged project, one that developed a focus on design, illustration, and photography—that is to say, activities closely related to the company’s roots in publishing and media.

One of the core values that Recruit currently emphasizes is described as Wow the World. The creation of new questions, or “bugs,” that arise from the unique inquiries of artists and art workers is essential for society. For this reason, BUG works to expand the scope of its activities as an art center beyond the framework of a typical gallery. We are also striving to make BUG an open place where a diverse range of visitors, including artists and art workers,** as well as those who have gone out into society, students, and international guests, can encounter new perspectives, people, and concepts.

Furthermore, we place high value on cultivating a relationship of trust with the artists and art workers that we collaborate with in each exhibition and event—fostering new opportunities and creating an environment where individuals can challenge themselves to the best of their ability. To ensure our commitment to fostering a sense of security for individuals to pursue their activities over the long term, and as a way of addressing the negative aspects of the art industry, we have set out the following three directives for our activities.

*This conveys our dedication to not only host exhibition projects, but also support artists— creating a space where various people come together through art and mutually influence each other.
**Museum and gallery staff members, and freelancers in the field of art.

Our 3 standards

1. Respect for the Entire BUG Community

BUG aims to be an open place where, once involved, people can drop by and stay connected even throughout the many changes that happen during their lives. We endeavor to become a space that respects each individual’s lifestyle choices and feelings so that their involvement is not interrupted by life events such as childcare and caregiving, medical treatment, or changing jobs, or by geographical constraints due to one’s place of residence.

2. Career Support for Artists and Art Workers

Not only do we provide opportunities to exhibit works on site, we also offer comprehensive support to help artists and art workers build better careers. We organically integrate exhibitions, open calls, and a diverse array of events, and bolster career planning, professional skill development, and the creation of supportive networks.

3. Imparting Art’s Value to Society

In a rapidly changing society marked by the rise of technologies such as AI and social media, we believe in the positive potential of art. In today’s world, where information, ideas, and relationships tend to become flattened and homogenized, we believe that artistic perspectives that break out of existing frameworks and pose new questions are essential to preventing social rigidity and moving towards a better future. Consistent with one of Recruit’s core values, Bet on Passion, BUG aims to be a platform that respects the individuality of artists and art workers, and helps accelerate their professional development.